
As winter draws near and the temperature falls, finding ways to save money on your heating bills becomes a top priority. One of the simplest techniques is modifying your thermostat settings to optimize energy usage without compromising comfort.
With many options and techniques available, it's possible to decrease your heating costs while still trying to keep your home cozy throughout the chilly season. Irrespective of whether you prefer a programmable thermostat or manual device, there are many ways to find the perfect balance between warmth and savings.
In general, a good rule of thumb is the lower the temperature in your home and the less difference there is between the air inside your home and the exterior temperature, the more money you will save on heating.
Best Thermostat Settings While You Are at Home
When you’re going to be home, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) advises putting your thermostat to between 68°F and 70°F in the winter. That’s warm enough to keep the majority of families comfy, but also low enough to be energy efficient.
Effective Temperature Settings While You Going to Be Out of Your Home
The DOE reports you can save as much as 10% on your home heating costs by lowering your thermostat 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. This way, you’re not needlessly spending money heating your home while you’re not there.
Industry professionals say, if you are going on vacation or will be gone a prolonged period of time, you can set your thermostat as low as 50 degrees. This will be warm enough it will keep your furnace running so you don’t have any frozen or burst pipes while you are away.
When you get back to your house, increase the temperature gradually. That will keep your heating system from performing too hard, which could be the case if you raise the temperature on your thermostat very high right away.
Cost-Efficient Thermostat Settings While You Are in Bed for The Night
The great news about sleep-time thermostat settings in the winter is that people generally sleep well when it’s a little colder. The National Sleep Foundation suggests somewhere between 66 and 70 degrees is the best temperature range for good sleep.
More Tactics to Use Less Energy on Your HVAC in Winter
There are many other ways you can use to consume less energy this winter while you heat your home. They include:
Examine your insulation levels
Insulate doors, windows and walls to cut down on drafts, keep warm air inside and counter heat loss. This will limit the pressure on your HVAC system and save energy.
Buy a programmable thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to manage the temperature in your home effectively. Set lower temperatures when you're out of your home or asleep and increase them only when needed.
For even more savings, set up a smart thermostat that can sense when you are in or out and adjust the temperature appropriately. To learn more about these gadgets or for smart thermostat installation in Carpentersville, consult with the skilled technicians at Controlled Comfort HVAC. We can provide you with information about how smart thermostats can improve your home's comfort—and your pocketbook.
H3: Plan furnace maintenance:
Schedule regular maintenance for your heating and cooling system. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and probably avoiding costly repairs. Clean or change air filters regularly to assure proper airflow.
For furnace maintenance in Carpentersville, call the team at Controlled Comfort HVAC. Our trained technicians will get your system in top shape!
Seal air leaks
Locate and fill in any air leaks in your home. Frequent spots for leaks including windows, doors, attic hatches and ductwork. Closing these gaps prevents warm air from escaping, making your HVAC system work less to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Improve your HVAC system
If your heating system is old, inefficient or just isn’t able to keep your home as warm as you want, furnace replacement may be a smart long-term option. Today’s furnaces are very efficient, which can dramatically decrease your monthly bills compared to an old or inefficient model.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to a new heating system, phone the specialists at Controlled Comfort HVAC. We’re recognized for experienced furnace installation in Carpentersville and will help you select a unit that’s well suited for your home! Call 224-412-8308 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate!